Christmas at svans (Kutaisi – Mestia)
Kutaisi – Zugdidi – Mestia – Kutaisi
8 days, 7 nights
Day 1: Kutaisi
Arrival to Kutaisi. Hotel accommodation. Dinner. Overnight.
Day 2: Kutaisi
Breakfast. Excursion in the ancient city Kutaisi, that is more than 3 thousand years old. Visit Gelati monastery and academy,
established by the great Georgian king – David IV the Builder. Gelati
Monastery has preserved a great variety of murals dating back to
XII-XVIII centuries. Therefore, the most wonderful in the architecture
of Gelati complex is its frescoes and mosaics. They travel us in ancient
past and remind of their creators. Next, excursion to the Cathedral of Bagrati
that was erected in Kutaisi during the reign of Bagrat III. It was
named after the first king of united Georgia. As a main place of the
kingdom, it was consecrated in 1003. Both Gelati monastery with Academy
and Bagrati Cathedral are included into the list of World Heritage sites of UNESCO. Then, visit "monastery for the accomplishment of desires" – Motsameta.
Monastery overlooks the Rioni river surrounded by rugged coastline
vegetation. The legend says that Georgian dukes David and Constantine
Mkheidze were executed by Muslims for their devotion to Christianity and
the monastery is constructed at the place of their martyrdom. Dukes
David and Constantine are canonized; their relics are stored in a large
rectangular ark on a dais in the small hall of the monastery. People
believe that if you wish something, crawl under the ark three times and
venerate holy relics, your wish will come true. Excursion in the Prometheus castor cave.
According to the legend, Prometheus was chained on the rock because he
gave fire to humanity. The cave is located 5 km northwest of the city of
Tskhaltubo. It was discovered in the early 80's of the
twentieth century. It is one of the most attractive caves, thanks to
its underwater rivers and landscapes. Almost all underwater karst forms:
stalactites, stalagmites, and others. Overnight.
Day 3: Kutaisi – Zugdidi – Mestia
Breakfast. Departure to Zugdidi. The treasure of Zugdidi is graceful patrimonial palace of Dadiani princes,
with the nicest park. Currently, it is a museum with magnificent
historic collection, including the death mask of Napoleon Bonaparte. The
oldest aristocratic family of Dadiani is known for its relation with
Napoleon Bonaparte. One of the most precious Christian relics — Cincture of the Virgin Mary is kept in Vlakerna church. It
belonged to Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ. On the way to Mestia,
we can enjoy the fantastic views of four waterfalls and three mountain
peaks of the Caucasus — Ushba, Mazera, Shkhelda. Hotel accommodation in Mestia. Late dinner. Overnight.
Day 4: Mestia
In the night from 6 th to 7 th of January you can visit the Christmas service in the church.
You can take part in the traditional Christmas procession "Alilo" / "Hallelujah" / ,
which consists of 15-century history. All participants are dressed in
white robes and symbolize themselves shepherds who chants notify all
passers of the Native of the Savior. Members of the clergy lead the
procession bearing icons, crosses and banners, while the laity follow
behind them either on foot, or in bull-drawn carts. Children play one of
the leading roles in this Christmas procession. Donations gathered at
the procession will be given to children’s homes and shelters for the
poor.
Festive Christmas dinner. On
Christmas night they light up candles in every Georgian house. Candles
are specifically being put in the window, so that the light was visible
to anyone who passes by the house. This tradition is observed in memory
of the ancient biblical events, when Joseph and Mary were looking for
shelter for the birth of their son. Georgian Christmas has exclusive
culinary traditions. On this holiday women bake kvertsi — a delicious
Christmas cake.
Overnight.
Day 5-6: Mestia
Breakfast. Winter activities. Dinner. Overnight.
Mestia – West-central part of Caucasus, is located 1450 m. above the sea level. It is surrounded by subalpine pine and chestnut forest on the slopes of magnificent mountains. Hatsvali – new ski resort near the town Mestia. It is located in the heart of the highest region – Svaneti - 1500 m.
above the sea level. New cable cars and the yoke Poma were installed in
2012. The trails are Illuminated for the night skiing offering
café-restaurants on the top and bottom station. Modern Hatsvali Cable
car has four chairs and the trail is more than 1400 m.
long and there are 2 yokes from 300 m. up to 600 m. above the sea level
for the beginners and children. In Mestia ski season starts in November
and ends in the beginning of April thanks to the high location.
Day 7: Mestia – Kutaisi
Breakfast. Departure from Mestia. Transfer to Kutaisi. Hotel accommodation. Dinner. Overnight.
Day 8: Kutaisi
Breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your fly to back home.
The price includes:
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Accommodation in hotels of 3-4 *;
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Meals according to the program (breakfast and dinner);
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Christmas dinner;
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Kutaisi city tour with guide;
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Transfers according to the program;
The price does not include:
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Flight ;
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Skipass;
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Personal expenses;
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Optional programs.
